Alex Lowes set the fastest time in Friday practice for the final round of the British Superbike Championship.

Last Updated: 12/10/12 5:09pm

Alex Lowes: Fastest on Friday ahead of title showdown at Brands Hatch

Lowes is currently third in the race for the title with only the three-race event at the Kent circuit remaining but the 22-year-old's time of 1 minute 26.264 will provide a timely boost ahead of the opening race on Saturday.

Championship leader Shane Byrne had set the fastest time heading into the final minute of the second session but Lowes put in a last-ditch effort which was almost half-a-second faster than the Kawasaki rider.

Barry Burrell finished third with Josh Brookes, who is one of six riders still in with a chance of winning the title under the series' Showdown format, behind him in fourth place on his Tyco Suzuki.

Karl Harris and James Westmoreland also impressed to claim the fifth and sixth fastest times of the session, respectively.

Samsung Honda's Michael Laverty claimed seventh with Tommy Hill's Swan Yamaha eighth and Tommy Bridewell recording the ninth-quickest time despite having to visit the medical centre for a check-up following a crash at Striling's.